Adaption is Key (An Aza Chobei Fanfic)

Chapter Eighteen: Sacrifices

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Blood spilled all over the floor. Although Chobei had seen his fair share of bloodbaths, the person he was watching being tortured didn't bring him joy. He was restrained by the other Tensen members as they all watched Rien dissect a chained Mizuho. Even though he watched her vines regenerate her ruined body, Mizuho had her organs ripped out, her fingers cut off, her eyes pulled out. Basically, she had endured most of her body being torn apart by the leader. Even though Chobei wanted to save her, all he could do was watch as he knew that he couldn't fight the six members of Lord Tensen all in the same room, even with Mizuho by his side. When it was all done, the watching members were shocked at the girl's tolerance as the Bandit King rushed to the ravenette's side.

"Are you alright?" he asked concernedly.

"I'm fine..." she said, out of breath.

"I can't believe that she survived the experiments..." spoke Ju Fa in disbelief.

"Despite what you say about her, Mizuho is pretty strong." Chobei mocked the Lord Tensen member smugly.

She blushed when she received the compliment.

"Woah, even her mind survived!" exclaimed Tao Fa. "Look at her cute blush!"

Mizuho got flustered and went silent for a bit, while the blond beside her beamed with content.

"Now," Rien commanded, "tell us all about your comrades--"

"No." Chobei interrupted. "All, but the Yamada clan members, are our enemies."

The swordswoman was shocked at the news as she least expected her convict to spare the lives of her fellow swordsmen. Of course, she was flattered, but it was uncharacteristic of the Bandit King. Usually, he wouldn't make allies unless they benefit him like Lord Tensen, or matter to him the most like Toma and now herself. Suddenly, he was willing to let her friends live, even though he barely knew them personally.

"I bet that our landing party are still lurking nearby. Bound to show up here eventually."

"How can you be so sure?" asked Rien.

"Cuz I can still sense that short bastard's Tao." He answered, referring to Gabimaru the Hollow. Clearer than ever, ever since I fought that asshole...

"These would be the ones who killed Mu Dan." Rien said as everyone's faces turned serious. "Rare is the chance to obtain so many valuable Tao specimens. As such... we will commence with the rite of just consumption. Capture the humans."

The rite of... what? Both Chobei and Mizuho thought.

"And what of the second party?" Ran asked. "Brother?"

Second party.... Does this mean that Shugen is here?! they both thought fearfully, knowing the consequences of if he found out about their relationship.

"Hold course, entrusting those others to the Doshi priests." Rien responded.

"I can still sense the first party we were with.... They're coming here..." muttered Mizuho, "and we'll inform you all when they finally arrive here."

"You can tell?"

"Let's say..." she looked over to Chobei, "I had some help."

Please... forgive me... everyone...

Rien started to unlock Mizuho's cuffs as she leaned forward out of exhaustion with Chobei supporting her.

"Follow us, you two."